IRYMPLE has received a major boost on the eve of Saturday’s SFNL senior football grand final, with midfield great Nathan Hamence cleared to return from a calf injury.
The former McLeod Medallist made it through the Swallows’ two training sessions this week, ahead of the decider with Wentworth at Mildura Sporting Precinct.
Hamence’s big-game experience will be crucial for the Swallows, where he has won four premierships (2006, 2011, 2017 and 2019) before playing his 250th game for the club last season.
Playing co-coach Tom Brownbridge said his team was ready to rebound from their qualifying final loss to the Roos.
“We’ll have a better game plan against them this time,” the star defender said.
“They had a couple of key ins for that game, including (influential ruckman Nick) Jensen. We’ll be better prepared on Saturday.”
Wentworth key forward Nick Cottrell won’t get up for the decider after rupturing his spleen on finals eve.
However, playing coach Wade Hancock said his team would otherwise be at full strength.
“We’ve trained well all week and there’s a real calmness about the players now. We’re ready to go,” he said on Friday.
“Having the week off has really worked in our favour.”
In an interview earlier in the week, the league’s leading goal kicker said he wanted his players to enjoy the big occasion.
However, he is also preparing them for football warfare as the Roos pursue their first senior flag since 2012.
“We need to do whatever it takes to get the ultimate success because there are a lot of people invested in our journey and we have a responsibility to do well for them,” Hancock said.
